Construction member

ABSTRACT

A construction member is described and which includes a first portion mounted on a first structural component; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component, and which matingly engages the first portion, and wherein the first and second portions facilitate the movement of the first and second structural components one relative to the other.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a construction member, and more particularly to a construction member which facilitates the substantially coplanar movement of a pair of structural components one relative to the other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the construction of various industrial and other commercial buildings, local building codes often require the use of metal structural components in the assembly of walls, ceilings, floors and the like. Further, in some earthquake prone regions, local building codes require that certain load bearing surfaces such as floor trusses and roof trusses be able to move relative to an adjoining structural component in order to prevent undue damage to the building if it experiences a severe seismic event. Additionally, in the construction of certain floors, so called floating trusses are often employed to span significant distances. These same trusses are designed, when loaded from above to deflect downwardly and thereby spread the load along the entire length of the truss. The structural integrity of the wall is therefore dependant upon the free movement of the truss under the influence of a load applied to same.

In buildings having multiple floors, it is therefore necessary, either by code to enhance the safety of the building when exposed to an earthquake, or further due to the use of building components, such as floating trusses, to provide a means whereby two adjacent structural components can be joined together but which further can move, one relative to the other, in order to satisfy building codes, or other architectural engineering requirements.

In addition to the foregoing, most jurisdictions in the United States have fire codes which require that a barrier be provided, and which would impede the spread of a fire between and along a structural component such as a wall, floor or the like. Typically, in residential construction, so called “fire block” is installed in the walls a predetermined distance up from the floor to impede the spread of a fire inside the wall. Moreover, most load bearing walls would typically have a double top plate upon which an adjoining roof truss would be secured.

Several prior art practices and assemblies have emerged to address the several issues which have been discussed briefly above. While each of the practices and devices have worked with some degree of success, they have shortcomings which distracted from their usefulness. Among the chief difficulties associated with the prior art devices, and practices, has been the cost and difficulties of installation of such devices.

A construction member which is easy to employ and install, and which further allows for the relative movement of adjoining structural components is the subject matter of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a construction member which includes a first portion mounted on a first structural component; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component and which matingly engages the first portion, and wherein the first and second portions permit the first and second structural components to move, one relative to the other.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction member which includes a first portion defining a first channel which matingly receives a first structural component, and which is oriented in a first direction, and a second channel which is oriented in an opposite, second direction; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component, and which is movingly and matingly received in the second channel, and wherein the first and second portions permit substantially coplanar movement of the first structural components relative to the second structural component.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a construction member for facilitating movement of structural components along a given reference plane, and which includes a first portion having a main body with opposite first and second ends and which further has opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the main body has a first course, a second course joined to the first course and which is substantially perpendicular to the first course, a third course which is joined to the second course and which is substantially perpendicular to the second course, and which is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first course, a fourth course joined to the third course and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the third course and which further is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the second course, a fifth course, joined to the fourth course, and which is substantially perpendicular to the fourth course and which is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the third course, a sixth course joined to the fifth course and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the fifth course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the fourth course, add further is in substantially coplanar relation relative to the third course, and a seventh course joined to the sixth course and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the sixth course, and which is disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to the first, third, and fifth courses, and wherein a first channel is defined, at least in part, between the first and seventh courses, and which extends between the first and second ends, and wherein the first channel has a first width dimension, and wherein the first channel matingly receives a first structural component therein and which is fastened to at least one of the first or seventh courses, and wherein the third, fourth and fifth courses define a second channel which extends substantially between the first and second ends and which further has a second width dimension which is less than about 80% of the first width dimension; and a second portion mounted on a second, structural component and which has a first course, a second course mounted to the first course and which is substantially perpendicular to the first course, and wherein the second course is juxtaposed relative to the second structural component, and a third course mounted to the second course and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the second course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to the first course, and wherein the second portion has a width dimension as measured between the first and third courses thereof, and which is less than the width dimension of the second channel, and wherein the second portion is moveably received, at least in part, in the second channel and facilitates substantially coplanar movement of the first and second structural components, one relative to the other.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partial, perspective view of a prior art construction member.

FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the construction member of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an assembled construction member of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, transverse, vertical sectional view of the construction member of the present invention shown in an installed arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

Referring now to FIG. 1, a prior art vertically slotted header is shown and which is generally indicated by the numeral 10. This vertically slotted header is discussed with more particularity in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,760, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein. As seen in FIG. 1, the construction member, as shown, is a non-load bearing header which is operable to vertically fluctuate in relationship to substantially vertical, non-load bearing wall studs to which the header 10 is attached. In the arrangement as shown, in FIG. 1, it will be understood that by allowing the header 10 freedom of vertical movement, the walls that are fixed to the vertical studs are protected from cracking because the freedom of vertical movement of the header prevents translation of mechanical stresses to the walls caused by downward forces which may be imparted to same through environmental or other stresses which are placed on the header 10. As seen in FIG. 1, the prior art vertically slotted header 10 has a main body 11 which has a pair of spaced, substantially parallel, depending legs or sides, which are generally indicated by the numeral 12. The depending legs each have a plurality of vertically oriented slots 13 formed therein. Still further, the depending legs 12 are spaced at a given distance apart so as to create a space which allows the mating receipt of a non-load bearing stud or cripple 14 therein. The stud or cripple 14 has a distal end 15. Conventional fasteners, such as a sheet metal screw 16 are received in the individual slots 13, and fasten the distal end 15 of the stud or cripple 14 to the vertically slotted header 10. As will be recognized, the vertically slotted header 10 is operable to move substantially in a vertical direction as indicated by the path of movement 17. This method of securing the header 10 as noted above is a serious limitation on the usefulness of this device. While it is clear from the description, above, that the header 10 must be able to move relative to the fastener, in practice, installers of these headers 10 typically tighten the fasteners 16 so securely that vertical movement of the header is severely restricted, or completely prohibited. This common installation mistake completely defeats the usefulness of such a device. Still further, it should be recognized that a gap 18 exists between the distal end 15 of the stud or cripple 14, and the adjoining vertically slotted header 10. Consequently, fire spreading up a wall, could move up the wall and across this gap into an adjoining space thereby allowing the spread of fire along the header, and potentially into other areas of a building. It will also be seen by FIG. 1 that the header 10 of the prior art provides a number of vertically oriented slots 13 which are spaced at predetermined fixed distances from each other, along the header, so that the studs or cripples 14 can be secured to the header at the desired distances from each other depending upon the needs of the particular situation. The arrangement of FIG. 1 also provides a header 10 which permits vertical movement of the header while substantially preventing horizontal movement of same. This one aspect of the prior art device makes this product quite wanting with respect to its usefulness in earthquake prone areas. As should be understood, an earthquake may cause a building to move in a number of different directions including in a horizontal, side-to-side direction. The failure of this device to facilitate horizontal movement would cause serious damage to a structure upon which a device such as this is employed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the construction member of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 20 therein. Referring to FIG. 4, the construction member 20 of the present invention is operable to be mounted on first and second structural components generally indicated by the numerals 21 and 22, respectively. In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 4, the first structural component 21 may comprise, among other things, a cripple or stud 23 which may be fabricated of wood, or typically of metal, and which are well known in the art. The cripple/stud 23, which may form a part of an adjoining non-load bearing wall, has a distal end 24. As seen in that drawing, the second structural component 22 is operable to move along a limited path of movement 25. This movement of the second structural member may be caused by applying a load from above, such as in the case where the second structural component is a floor truss. Still further, it will be recognized that in the arrangement as shown, the first structural component 21 may also move substantially vertically and horizontally, while the second structural component 22 remains substantially stationary. Such would be the case, for example, in an earthquake where movement of the earth from below may cause a lower wall to be forced upwardly towards the floor trusses which are positioned immediately above same. As seen in FIG. 4, it will be recognized that the first and second structural components 21 and 22 are rendered operable to move along paths of travel which are substantially coplanar. This substantially coplanar movement can be along linear, lateral and/or partial rotational paths of travel. Still further, horizontal and vertical movement is also permitted. Therefore, it will be recognized that the construction member 20 as shown, allows for several vectors of movement, unavailable in the prior art arrangement as shown in FIG. 1.

The construction member 20 of the present invention for facilitating the, movement of the structural components 21 and 22 along a given reference plane, which is typically coplanar, includes, a first portion generally indicated by the numeral 30 and which has a main body 31. The main body has opposite first and second ends 32 and 33 and opposite first and second surfaces 34 and 35, respectively.

Referring still to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, it will be seen that the construction member 20 of the present invention and more specifically the first portion 30 thereof is formed of a plurality of different courses 40 all of which unite to form an integral or unitary body. In this regard, the main body 31 of the first portion 30 has a first course 41, and a second course 42 is joined to the first course 41 and which is substantially perpendicular to the first course. The main body 31 includes a third course 43 which is joined to the second course 42 and which is substantially perpendicular to the second course. The third course 43 is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first course 41. A fourth course 44 is joined to the third course 43 and is further disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the third course 43, and further is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the second course 42. The main body includes a fifth course 45, which is joined to the fourth course 44, and which is substantially perpendicular to fourth course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the third course 43. The main body includes a sixth course 46 which is joined to the fifth course 45, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the fifth course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the fourth course 44. Still further, the sixth course 46 is disposed in a substantially coplanar orientation relation relative to the third course 43. The main body includes a seventh course 47 which is joined to the sixth course 46, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the sixth course. The seventh course 47 is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first 41, third 43 and fifth courses 45. As seen in FIG. 2, the first and seventh courses define individual depending legs which are positioned in substantially parallel spaced relation one relative to the other. A first channel 50 is defined, at least in part, between the first and seventh courses 41 and 47, and which define the depending legs. The first channel 50 extends between the first and second ends 32 and 33 of the main body 31. As seen in FIG. 2, the first channel has a first width dimension generally indicated by the line labeled 51. It will be seen also in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 that the fourth course 44 defines a seat which limits the movement of the first structural component 21 into the first channel 50. The fourth course, defining the seat, further defines, in part, the first channel 50. In the arrangement as shown in FIG. 4, the first channel 50 matingly receives the first structural component 21 therein. As seen, in the drawing, the first structural member is fastened by means of a fastener 52 to at least one of the first or seventh courses 41 or 47. Yet further, the third, fourth and fifth courses 43, 44 and 45 define a second channel 60 (FIG. 4) which extends substantially between the first and second ends 32 and 33 of the first portion 30 and which further has a second width dimension which is indicated by the line labeled 61. The second width dimension is less than about 80% of the first width dimension 51 as defined by the first channel 50. As seen in FIG. 2, the first width dimension 51 of the first channel 50 is measured between the first and seventh courses 41 and 47, respectively.

The construction member 20 of the present invention includes a second portion 70 which is mounted on the second structural component 22, and which matingly engages the first portion 30. As seen in FIG. 4, the first and second portions 30 and 70, respectively, facilitate the movement of the first and second structural components 21 and 22, one relative to the other, and in a substantially coplanar orientation. As seen in FIG. 4, the first portion 30 has a main body 31 with opposite sides or surfaces 34 and 35. These opposite surfaces 34 and 35 define the respective first and second channels 50 and 60 which are oriented in substantially opposite directions, one relative to the other, and which extend between the opposite ends 32 and 33, respectively.

The second portion 70 has a main body 71 with opposite first and second ends 72 and 73, respectively, and opposite surfaces 74 and 75, respectively (FIG. 2). The main body 71 is formed of a plurality of courses generally indicated by the numeral 80, and which define a unitary body. In this regard, the plurality of courses include a first course 81, and a second course 82 which is joined to the first course 81, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative thereto. As seen in FIG. 4, the second surface 75 of the second course 82 is juxtaposed relative to the second structural component 22. Still further, a third course is joined to the second course, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative thereto, and which further is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first course 81. The first and third courses of the second portion define opposite sidewalls, and the main body 71 has a width dimension as measured between these opposite sidewalls formed by the first and third courses 81 and 83, and which is labeled by the line identified by the numeral 84. The main body 71 is fastened to the second structural component 22 by means of a suitable fastener such as a screw or the like 85. As should be understood, the second width dimension 84 is less than about the width dimension 61 of the second channel 60. Therefore, as seen in FIG. 4, the second portion 70 is operable to be matingly and slideably received within the second channel and thereby facilitates the substantially coplanar movement of the first and second structural components one relative to the other. In this arrangement as shown, it will be seen that while coplanar movement is permitted, no gap is presented between the first and second portions 30 and 70, thereby substantially inhibiting the movement of fire, for example, that might be spreading through a building from moving beyond or through the present construction member 20. Still further, this arrangement permits movement along various vectors which may include horizontal, vertical and partial rotational movements.

Operation

The operation of the described embodiment of the present invention is believed to be readily apparent and is briefly summarized at this point.

The construction member 20 of the present invention is generally understood by a study of FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, respectively. As shown therein, the construction member 20 includes a first portion 30 mounted on a first structural component 21; and a second portion 70 mounted on a second structural component 22, and which matingly engages the first portion 30, and wherein the first and second portions 30 and 70, respectively facilitate the movement of the first and second structural components 21 and 22, one relative to the other. The first portion defines a first channel 50 which is operable to matingly receive the first structural component 21 therein. The first portion 30 includes a fourth course 44, which defines a seat, and which constrains the movement of the first structural component 21 into the first channel 50, and further constrains the movement of the second portion 70 into the second channel 60. The first structural component 21 is secured in the first channel 50 by means of fasteners 52. Still further, the construction member 20 defines a second channel 60 which has a given width dimension 61 and which matingly receives the second portion 70 therein, and which is best illustrated in FIG. 4.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a construction member 20 which includes a first portion 30, defining a first channel 50, and which matingly receives a first structural component 21 therein. The first portion 30 is oriented in a first direction, and a second channel 60 is defined by the first portion and is oriented in an opposite, second direction. The construction member 20 of the present invention further includes a second portion 70 which is mounted on a second structural component 22, and which is matingly received in the second channel 60. The first and second portions 30 and 70, respectively permit substantially coplanar movement of the first and second structural components 21 and 22 one relative to the other. In the arrangement as shown, the second channel 60 has a width dimension which is at least about 20% to about 80% of the width dimension of the first channel 50.

It will be further seen by a study of FIGS. 2-4 that the first and seventh courses 41 and 47 have a substantially similar width dimension, and the third and fifth courses 43 and 45 also have a substantially similar width dimension. The respective width dimensions of the third and fifth courses are less than that of the first and seventh courses. Yet further, the first and third courses 81 and 83 of the second component 20 typically have a width dimension which is less than the width dimension of the third and fifth courses 43 and 45 of the first portion 30. Although it is conceivable that these may be greater depending upon the nature of the installation.

Therefore it will be seen that the present construction member provides many advantages over the prior art as seen in FIG. 1, among those being permitting complex substantially coplanar movement of a first and second structural component one relative to the other while substantially providing a fire barrier to prevent the spread of fire in buildings employing the same construction member.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A construction member comprising: a first portion mounted on a first structural component; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component, and which matingly engages the first portion, and wherein the first and second portions facilitate the movement of the first and second structural components, one relative to the other.
 2. A construction member as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the first and second structural components move along paths of travel which are substantially coplanar.
 3. A construction member as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the first portion has a main body with opposite sides, and wherein the main body defines opposite first and second channels which are defined by the respective opposite sides.
 4. A construction member as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the main body of the first portion has opposite first and second ends, and wherein the first and second channels extend substantially from the first to the second ends thereof.
 5. A construction member as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the first channel has a first width dimension, and the second channel has a second width dimension which is less than the first width dimension.
 6. A construction member as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the second width dimension is at least about 20% to about 80% of the first width dimension.
 7. A construction member as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the main body of the first portion defines a pair of depending legs which are positioned in substantially parallel spaced relation, one relative to the other, and wherein the first channel is defined in part, by the pair of depending legs, and wherein at least one of the depending legs of the main body is fastened to the first structural component.
 8. A construction member as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the first structural component is received in the first channel, and wherein the main body defines a seat which limits the movement of the first structural component into the first channel.
 9. A construction member as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the second portion has a main body with opposite sidewalls, and wherein the main body has a width dimension as measured between the opposite sidewalls, and wherein the width dimension of the second portion is less than the width dimension of the second channel of the first portion.
 10. A construction member as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the seat constrains the movement of the second portion into the second channel.
 11. A construction member comprising: a first portion defining a first channel which matingly receives a first structural component, and which is oriented in a first direction, and a second channel which is oriented in an opposite, second direction; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component, and which is matingly received in the second channel, and wherein the first and second portions permit substantially coplanar movement of the first and second structural components, one relative to the other.
 12. A construction member as claimed in claim 11, and wherein the first and second portions facilitate substantially coplanar lateral movement of the first and second structural members, one relative to the other.
 13. A construction member as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the first and second portions facilitate a partial, substantially coplanar, rotational movement of the first and second structural components one relative to the other.
 14. A construction member as claimed in claim 13, and wherein the first portion has a main body having opposite first and second sides, and first and second ends, and wherein the first side of the main body defines the first channel, and the opposite, second side, defines the second channel, and wherein the respective first and second channels extend substantially between the first and second ends thereof.
 15. A construction member as claimed in claim 14, and wherein the main body of the first portion defines a seat, and wherein the first structural component is received in the first channel and constrained against further movement by the seat, and wherein the first structural component is fastened to the main body of the first portion.
 16. A construction member as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the first channel, defined by the first portion, has a first width dimension, and wherein the second channel has a width dimension which is equal to or less than about 80% of the width dimension of the first channel.
 17. A construction member as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the second portion is fastened to the second structural component, and further has opposite sidewalls which defines a width dimension for the second portion, and wherein the width dimension of the second portion is less than the width dimension of the second channel.
 18. A construction member as claimed in claim 17, and wherein the first portion is of unitary construction.
 19. A construction member for facilitating movement of structural components along a given reference plane, comprising: a first portion having a main body which has opposite first and second ends, and further has opposite first and second surfaces, and wherein the main body has a first course, a second course joined to the first course, and which is substantially perpendicular to the first course, a third course, which is joined to the second course, and which is substantially perpendicular to the second course, and which is disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first course, a fourth course, joined to the third course, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the third course and which further is disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to the second course, a fifth course, joined to the fourth course and which is substantially perpendicular to the fourth course, and which further is disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to the third course, a sixth course joined to the fifth course and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the fifth course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the fourth course, and which further is disposed in a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the third course, and a seventh course, joined to the sixth course, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the sixth course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel spaced relation relative to the first, third, and fifth courses, and wherein a first channel is defined, at least in part, between the first and seventh courses, and which extends between the first and second ends of the main body, and wherein the first channel has a first width dimension, and wherein the first channel matingly receives a first structural component therein, and which is fastened to at least one of the first or seventh courses, and wherein the third, fourth and fifth courses define a second channel which extends substantially between the first and second ends of the main body and which further has a second width dimension which is less than about 80% of the first width dimension; and a second portion mounted on a second structural component and which has a first course, a second course joined to the first course, and which is substantially perpendicular to the first course, and wherein the second course is juxtaposed relative to the second structural component, and a third course joined to the second course, and which is disposed in substantially perpendicular relation relative to the second course, and which is further disposed in substantially parallel, spaced relation relative to the first course, and wherein the second portion has a width dimension as measured between the first and third courses thereof, and which is less than about the width dimension of the second channel, and wherein the second portion is moveably received, at least in part, in the second channel and facilitates substantially coplanar movement of the first and second structural components, one relative to the other.
 20. A construction member as claimed in claim 19, and wherein the first and seventh courses of the first portion have a substantially similar width dimension, and wherein the third and fifth courses of the first portion have a substantially similar width dimension, and wherein the width dimension of the third and fifth courses is less than the width dimension of the first and seventh courses.
 21. A construction member as claimed in claim 20, and wherein the first and third courses of the second component have a width dimension which is less than the width dimension of the third and fifth courses of the first portion.
 22. A construction member as claimed in claim 20, and wherein the first and third courses of the second portion have a width dimension which is greater than the width dimension of the third and fifth courses of the first portion.
 23. A construction member as claimed in claim 20, and wherein the coplanar movement of the first and second structural components includes partial rotational and/or linear movements of the respective first and second structural components. 